Petition · past parliament
Increase the Maximum Sentence for Animal Cruelty & Abandonment and set a Minimum
Rejected
20 signatures
What the petition asks
The penalty for Animal Cruelty current stands at a maximum of Six Months Imprisonment and an unlimited fine. This is not enough.
Many other countries are significantly stricter.
Increase maximum sentence to 5 years imprisonments and set minimum of 1 year imprisonment. Both with unlimited fines.
Many other countries are significantly stricter.
Increase maximum sentence to 5 years imprisonments and set minimum of 1 year imprisonment. Both with unlimited fines.
The maximum sentence being 6 months imprisonment hardly seems just for mistreating an animal which has devoted its whole life to you.
All animals are sentient beings meaning they can feel and perceive things. This means animal cruelty not only physically but mentally effects them. Imagine trying to build back the trust to try again with another family after being abandoned.
COVID-19 lockdown will result in many animals having been bought and when we all go back to work, a lot of people won’t be able to look after them. Let’s stop the problem before it happens.
There are solutions for people who can no longer look after animals, such as shelters. There is no excuse to abandon an animal let alone mistreat one. They do nothing by devote their lives to making you happy.
All animals are sentient beings meaning they can feel and perceive things. This means animal cruelty not only physically but mentally effects them. Imagine trying to build back the trust to try again with another family after being abandoned.
COVID-19 lockdown will result in many animals having been bought and when we all go back to work, a lot of people won’t be able to look after them. Let’s stop the problem before it happens.
There are solutions for people who can no longer look after animals, such as shelters. There is no excuse to abandon an animal let alone mistreat one. They do nothing by devote their lives to making you happy.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
You may wish to sign this petition calling for the same action: Tougher sentences for animal abusers to include a lifetime ban on owning pets
Timeline
| 13 Aug 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 20 Aug 2020 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
20
Status
Rejected
Rejected
20 Aug 2020
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.